3D Pregnancy Scans in Wellington
Wellington hospital has 3D scanners.
Outside of Wellington Hospital there is a cost for scans.
The two private places I know who do pregnancy Ultrasound are Pacific Radiology in Wellington and Horizon Radiology in Auckland.
http://www2.yellow.co.nz/search/wellington/radiology-1.html
They don't have a 3D scanner, just normal ones. Cost is around $40 per scan.
See Pacific Radiology Fees
All enquiries: 04 978 5500
Ultrasound pregnancy for a non-NZ Resident is around $127.70 (as of May 2009)
Ultrasound pregnancy if you are a NZ resident (partly funded by Maternity Benefits) is around $40.00 (as of May 2009)
Risks
Speak to your LMC and radiologist of the risks for and against scans.
The FAQ section on Pacific Radiology site states:
What is ultrasound?
Ultrasound is a technique that uses high frequency sound waves to build up an "echo picture" of internal organs. Bats and dolphins use the same principle to see in the dark and under water, as do the navy when using sonar to find submarines.
What is ultrasound used for?
Ultrasound is tremendously useful for looking at soft tissues, particularly the solid abdominal organs and the developing pregnancy. More recent applications have seen significant advancements in other areas, especially imaging muscles and tendons. So much so that ultrasound is now one of the front line techniques for investigation sports injuries. Another part of ultrasound, Colour Doppler, is an excellent non-invasive way of looking at blood vessels, and assessing for narrowings and blockages.
Is it safe?
Ultrasound is painless, does not affect the body's tissues, and does not use ionizing radiation, which makes it a perfect way of looking at pregnancies. Over the years, people have asked questions of the safety of ultrasound in imaging the foetus, but despite a multitude of investigations and accumulated experience world wide of millions and millions of pregnancy scans, there has never been any significant adverse effect shown.
What will happen to me?
The sonographer (specialised technologist who will perform your scan) will take you to the ultrasound suite, and depending on the area to be scanned may ask you to change into an examination gown. You will lie on an examination couch (or sit on a chair if more appropriate for your exam, eg for shoulder ultrasound) and the sonographer will usually ask you a few questions and go over the doctor's referral form with you. Then they will apply a special sound gel to the part in question, and perform the exam - which consists of placing the ultrasound probe lightly on your skin and moving it around to form an image. Most of our rooms have televisions linked to the ultrasound machines so that you can see what the sonographer can see (although you may not be quite as proficient at interpreting it!).
The examination can take any where from 15 minutes to over an hour, depending on what your doctor wants us to look at.
After the examination you can resume your normal activities. Usually you will take the films with you, and a full radiologist's report will go to your doctor.
3D Ultrasound advice from USA
However, the article on NursingCenter.com (USA) states:
Many expectant mothers are excited about the opportunity to obtain 3D or 4D (real-time 3D) ultrasounds to bond with their babies. Unfortunately, women do not know the potential risks involved in diagnostic testing when there is no medical indication. While women may be knowledgeable about obstetrical care, they may not understand the physiology of ultrasound and the potential risks of "fetal portraiture sessions."
Nondiagnostic 3D ultrasound facilities are not regulated by any State or the U.S. government. They often have cute and appealing names, but they use powerful diagnostic equipment that produces high energy levels to create images. Obstetrical providers have long voiced concerns about the unregulated use of medical diagnostic equipment for nondiagnostic purposes, and the FDA Consumer Magazine has issued a statement against Fetal Portraiture Studios (FDA, 2004).
Other Resources to review
National Screening Unit: Screening policy positions and practice in New Zealand
MOH: Maternity Services Notice
Capital & Coast DHB: Women's Health Services
BabyWebNZ.org: Survival Guide - Pregnancy
